India Investigates Chinese AI DeepSeek Over Security Threats
India investigates the security risks of Chinese AI tool DeepSeek. Concerns include data privacy and cyber espionage, with a potential ban on the horizon.
image for illustrative purpose
The Indian government has expressed growing concerns regarding the security risks posed by the Chinese-developed AI tool, DeepSeek. Launched in January 2025, DeepSeek is an open-source, low-cost AI model that has been lauded for its accessibility and affordability. However, its potential security vulnerabilities have prompted significant scrutiny globally.
India's cybersecurity watchdog, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), has launched an investigation into the possible risks DeepSeek may pose to Indian citizens and government operations. Reports have emerged that DeepSeek collects sensitive data from its users, including behavioral tracking through prompts given to its chatbot, as well as information about battery usage, app activity, and keystrokes. These concerns raise alarms over data privacy, cyber espionage, and the potential for theft of user data.
The investigation by CERT-In follows similar actions taken by other countries. Italy, Australia, and various U.S. federal agencies have already taken steps to prohibit the use of DeepSeek on official government devices. The Indian government is considering issuing an official advisory, warning against the use of DeepSeek on government and official systems. A CERT-In official indicated that a ban could be imminent, based on the investigation's findings.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which oversees CERT-In, has raised alarms about the potential harm that DeepSeek's presence could cause, especially on official computers and devices used for sensitive government work. Last month, the Union Finance Ministry issued an internal advisory, stressing the risks associated with using AI applications like DeepSeek on government-issued devices.
The concerns surrounding DeepSeek are part of a broader global debate about the risks posed by Chinese-developed technologies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. The tool has become a point of contention, with various governments across the world highlighting the need for caution when dealing with Chinese-made AI applications.
Given the widespread concerns, alternatives to DeepSeek, including other generative AI models and ChatGPT alternatives, are being considered in India and globally. The debate over the security and trustworthiness of AI tools continues to evolve, with cybersecurity agencies around the world, including India's CERT-In, taking a proactive role in addressing potential threats.
